Wednesday, September 25, 2013

America’s Cup: A stunning win

It didn’t take long for the party to get started following Oracle Team USA’s victory. The reigning champion, which had trailed 8-1 at one stage, won by 44 seconds in the final race to win the competition 9-8.

Emirates Team New Zealand fans thought they would be celebrating a famous victory with their crew taking an 8-1 lead in the contest — but an incredible fightback by Oracle Team USA forced a decisive race. Only twice before in the competition’s 162-year history has there been a winner-takes-all final.

British Olympic hero Ben Ainslie has been the catalyst for Oracle Team USA’s fightback. Ainslie, 36, took over the role of tactician from John Kostecki with his team 4-1 down.

Oracle Team USA was given a huge ovation by the home crowd as its team members boarded the ferry. Supporters flocked to watch with the prospect of history being made.

Emirates Team New Zealand, skippered by Dean Barker, took to the water hoping to turn around its nightmare run of form.

Oracle Team USA took the water knowing victory would cap off a historic comeback victory.

Emirates Team New Zealand made an encouraging start but it was the reigning champion which went on to dominate the contest — winning by 44 seconds.